Government Bill of Sale

Vehicle Sold on Sheriff's Bill of Sale

Definition of a Writ — A written order issued by a court, commanding the party to whom it is addressed to perform or cease performing some specified act.

Writ of Execution — A writ to put in force the judgement or decree of a court.

When a vehicle is sold under a Writ of Execution, the following is required:

  • A copy of the Writ of Execution

  • Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale (See Odometer)

  • If there is a Colorado record, this information should be noted on the Writ. Any liens indicated must have a lien release.

Note: An Out of State Sheriff’s Bill of Sale is not acceptable. The vehicle must be titled in that jurisdiction (state) before there is a transfer to a Colorado purchaser.

Vehicle Sold on Township/City Police Bill of Sale

Authorized enforcement agencies can sell abandoned vehicles with a secured bill of sale.

The following documentation is required when applying for title:

  • DR 2173 Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale.

  • Copy of statute or town ordinance which allows the agency to sell abandoned vehicles is acceptable. Home rule cities do not need to submit the DR 2008A Law Enforcement Vehicle Information Request.

  • Vehicles appraised for $201 or more are issued a title.

  • Vehicles appraised for $200 and less are issued a Salvage Title.

  • Owner and lienholder of record must be notified.


Evidence of notification must include the date the notification was mailed and whether it was mailed to the “owner” and/or “lienholder”. No personal information, i.e., names and/or addresses shall be disclosed.


The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) protects the owner and/or lienholder information from being disclosed to anyone other than the

owner of record or person and/or company requesting the motor vehicle record under exceptions permitted by the DPPA. Any owner and/or

lienholder motor vehicle record information shall be kept by the law enforcement agency, i.e. record search, notification letters and certified

mail information for their records.


If the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicle records show an owner and/or a lienholder, each must be notified by the selling agency prior to the

sale of a vehicle. Evidence of notification must accompany the bill of sale. An out-of-state Township/City Police Bill of Sale is not acceptable.

The vehicle must be titled in that state before there is a transfer to a Colorado purchaser.